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 |   Exploring the future through the present. One day at a time. |
| Perhaps it's the soured economy, the fear of what 2009 will hold, the severe cold weather taking over many parts of the US, or fatigue over the constant advertising. All of the above even. I noticed even people who typically love Christmas are blah about it this year. Many people in my town love to decorate, whether it be Thanksgiving, Easter, even Valentine's Day. We don't need street lights this time of year, because so many houses splatter so many lights and Christmas figures on their house and lawn. This year, I'd say less than 30% have decorated. I believe it's more due to weather here than apathy, though. Snow keeps falling along with temperatures, and have been for two weeks now. This isn't all bad news, though. Sometimes introspection is needed, and now is a good opportunity. It's easy to concentrate on our hardships, and potential challenges as the new year looms, but most of us, if we thought about it, can list more blessings. 2008 was a banner year for me. My son was born healthy and happy, and is my greatest joy. I published a book and it's selling well. My parents divorced, but it's actually a blessing, believe it or not. They didn't argue or fight over it, and in fact get along better now. I think it's due to no more pressure of expectations. Mom doesn't need to pretend to want him around anymore, and Tom doesn't feel pressured to stay in North Dakota, a state he grew to hate. I could list many others, but I don't want to bore you. You might be thinking this would fit better as a Thanksgiving Day entry. Maybe, but then I didn't have the time to contemplate as I do now. Besides, the Christmas season serves as a reminder of Jesus' birth, and the single greatest gift God gave Man. As I thank him for Jesus, I figured I should add on everything else I'm grateful for. Because I deserve none of it (but I certainly won't give them back. No way. Not happening. They're mine, mine, mine, all mine!) If'n I don't visit you from now until Christmas day, I pray you successfully fight off the Blahs, and experience nothing but joy, peace, contentment, and rooms filled with laughter. |
| My house is clean! Even better, it's stayed clean for three days now. Wanna know why? Company!! Yep, that's the only time we clean up well, otherwise, we're slobs. If not for Thomas, it'd be even worse. I'm not saying I clean up to prevent him from chewing on things he's not supposed to. Nope. He helps me clean - the floor at least. First he drools, then he alligator scoots over it. His damp shirt picks up dirt and dog hair nicely. Gives a new definition to spit-shine, doesn't it? Dave's folks decided they needed to see their second grandson (7th grandchild) at least once before he turns a year old. They drove up from Texas, arriving last night. Brave, brave people considering a blizzard was due to blow in. They arrived at their motel a mere half an hour before it hit. Thomas liked them immediately, and they him. That's no surprise. Who wouldn't like the little guy? Especially when he smiles and flirts? He's growing seemingly exponentially now. He can crawl on all fours, stand up from almost anywhere as long as he can hold onto something. Separating our dining room and kitchen is a swinging door. Today he stood and pushed it open for the first time. That he kept his balance and even took a few steps into the kitchen surprised me. He's also interacting more. When I give him a cracker or carrot, sometimes he'll take a bite, and push it toward my mouth (or whoever is holding him) so they can take a bite. He giggles every time. Today I took some tissue paper and tickled his face with it. He grabbed it from me, and tried to tickle my face. He also waves and claps. From a pure clinical perspective, I can't get enough of watching this little human grow and develop right before my eyes. Dave's parents will stay likely until Tuesday, so my house will stay clean for at least (or most) two more days. OH! Did you know North Dakota is the most corrupt state in the nation? Read all about it here: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/12/12/news/topnews/171625.txt This is one example of why I despise statistics. One person can skew them to 'prove' his/her point, and someone else can use the same stats and 'prove' the exact opposite. It all depends on how you look at it. |
| diamond_hoop commented in a previous entry: "Too bad God's not allowed in America anymore." But is God really not allowed? Can we prevent God from going anywhere he darn well pleases? Of course not. We can, however, say no one shall mention his name in certain places. That's where we are as a nation today. We have taken the term "separation of church and state" to levels Thomas Jefferson never intended. In fact, the term came from a private letter he wrote to the Danbury Baptist association to assuage their fears about the freedom of religious expression. They feared the new government assumed religion to be a privilege granted (or taken away) by the government, and not an inalienable human right. Here is the entire text of the Baptist letter (copied from http://members.tripod.com/~candst/tnppage/baptist.htm ): The address of the Danbury Baptists Association in the state of Connecticut, assembled October 7, 1801. To Thomas Jefferson, Esq., President of the United States of America. Sir, Among the many million in America and Europe who rejoice in your election to office; we embrace the first opportunity which we have enjoyed in our collective capacity, since your inauguration, to express our great satisfaction, in your appointment to the chief magistracy in the United States: And though our mode of expression may be less courtly and pompous than what many others clothe their addresses with, we beg you, sir, to believe that none are more sincere. Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty--that religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals--that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions--that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbors; But, sir, our constitution of government is not specific. Our ancient charter together with the law made coincident therewith, were adopted as the basis of our government, at the time of our revolution; and such had been our laws and usages, and such still are; that religion is considered as the first object of legislation; and therefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the state) we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights; and these favors we receive at the expense of such degrading acknowledgements as are inconsistent with the rights of freemen. It is not to be wondered at therefore; if those who seek after power and gain under the pretense of government and religion should reproach their fellow men--should reproach their order magistrate, as a enemy of religion, law, and good order, because he will not, dare not, assume the prerogatives of Jehovah and make laws to govern the kingdom of Christ. Sir, we are sensible that the president of the United States is not the national legislator, and also sensible that the national government cannot destroy the laws of each state; but our hopes are strong that the sentiments of our beloved president, which have had such genial effect already, like the radiant beams of the sun, will shine and prevail through all these states and all the world, till hierarchy and tyranny be destroyed from the earth. Sir, when we reflect on your past services, and see a glow of philanthropy and good will shining forth in a course of more than thirty years we have reason to believe that America's God has raised you up to fill the chair of state out of that goodwill which he bears to the millions which you preside over. May God strengthen you for your arduous task which providence and the voice of the people have called you to sustain and support you enjoy administration against all the predetermined opposition of those who wish to raise to wealth and importance on the poverty and subjection of the people. And may the Lord preserve you safe from every evil and bring you at last to his heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ our Glorious Mediator. Signed in behalf of the association, Nehemiah Dodge Ephraim Robbins Stephen S. Nelson Here is Jefferson's response (copied from http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpost.html ): To messers Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut. Gentlemen The affectionate sentiments of esteem & approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful & zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and, in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more & more pleasing. Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;" thus building a wall of eternal separation between Church & State. Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from prescribing even those occasional performances of devotion, practiced indeed by the Executive of another nation as the legal head of its church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect, [Jefferson first wrote: "confining myself therefore to the duties of my station, which are merely temporal, be assured that your religious rights shall never be infringed by any act of mine and that." These lines he crossed out and then wrote: "concurring with"; having crossed out these two words, he wrote: "Adhering to this great act of national legislation in behalf of the rights of conscience"; next he crossed out these words and wrote: "Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience I shall see with friendly dispositions the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced that he has no natural rights in opposition to his social duties."] I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & the Danbury Baptist [your religious] association assurances of my high respect & esteem. Th Jefferson Jan. 1. 1802. One could argue from the statement (aside from the "wall of separation of church and state" portion) " . . . Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from prescribing even those occasional performances of devotion . . ." that Jefferson wanted all references to God and religion kept out of all government-owned and/or public establishments and venues. If so, that would violate the First Amendment that states ". . . make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; . . ." which he also mentions in the letter. Religion is indeed a personal matter. However, for any government to demand all public expression of religion and faith be silenced not only violates Man's natural right, but violates the US Constitution. To demand "No God allowed" is the same as saying "You must worship God, and do so in this manner." That our government is now demanding in some areas the removal of a cross necklace or a shirt with a simple "What would Jesus do?" statement saddens and frightens me some. It ties the hands of those wanting to spread the Good News, and prevents some who desperately need God and his comfort from hearing that News. At the same time, God is all-powerful. He will reach those who need him through those who have the faith and courage to thumb their noses at governmental dictates (and gracefully accept the consequences for doing so). God loves paradox. History has shown and continues to show that in countries where all public expression of faith is squelched, Christianity grows the fastest. Because America and other western countries have enjoyed religious freedom for so many years, we have grown complacent. We don't work hard to keep our faith growing and reaching out to those who need it (there are always exceptions; I'm talking generalities). I submit if we lose our right to worship even in our homes, you will see a revival like none other. Why? Two reasons. We will realize what we lost and want it back, and people always turn to God in their darkest, most difficult times. |
| A few weeks ago I took Thomas to an indoor play area at the mall. It’s nothing fancy. In an enclosed area of about 30 feet by 15 feet there are two tiny slides, a canoe, a tunnel, and large animals for children to climb on and over. Against the walls are permanent puzzles and movable objects such as gears. At that point he could stand up with help and remain so with something to hold on to. He still scooted more than crawled, and couldn’t sit up by himself yet. But I figured he’d enjoy himself, especially with other children around. On a Saturday, plenty of children ran and played while parents sat in the benches surrounding the inside of the play area and watched or chatted. Not surprising to me, Thomas at first watched the other children played then scooted over to the gear puzzle. I stood him up, and backed away a bit so he could practice standing and play with the puzzle. A little boy walked up and tried to stomp on Thomas’ foot to get him to back away from the puzzle. Thomas just glanced at him, then continued playing. What astonished me wasn’t the boy’s attempted bullying, but how short he was. By the expertise of the boy’s walking, he had to be at least 18 months old. Yet Thomas towered over him by at least five inches. I wasn’t concerned about the other boy, because since Thomas ignored the boy, the boy lost interest and ran off elsewhere. He did come back a few minutes later as Thomas crawled around the floor and tried to kick him. The boy didn’t have any weight behind the kick, so it ended up a mere tap. Thomas again merely glanced at him then went on his merry way. I thought it was kind of funny, actually. I studied the other toddlers, and each one was far shorter than Thomas. I now understood why, according to the average growth of children Thomas, as of his last appointment a month ago is in the 93rd percentile of height for children his age (30 inches. One more inch and he'll be half my height). He’s also quite skinny at a feathery 17 lbs. I added it up, and since his birth, Thomas has grown one inch a month, but only gained one pound a month. Since I last took him to the indoor play yard, he can now crawl on his hands and knees, sit up from almost any position, and stand up if he has something to grab onto. To give an idea on how much he’s grown, here’s a photo I took of him at almost three months old sitting in his grandfather’s chair:  The next one I took from the same chair a few days ago:  We ate BBQ ribs a few weeks ago, and I gave him a bone. He loved it as you can see from this photo:  To give you an even better idea of how tall Thomas is, I took these yesterday as he stood by my rocking chair:   |
| Since I won’t have enough time tomorrow to write an entry, I decided to write a Thanksgiving entry today. In doing research into the history of the holiday, I decided no words of mine can adequately convey what the holiday means. Instead, I will share with you what others wrote and said: Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor -- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness." Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation -- for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility [sic], union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed -- for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions -- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed -- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn [sic] kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease [sic] of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. George Washington By the United States in Congress [Continental Congress] assembled. PROCLAMATION. IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness. Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh. JOHN HANSON, President. Charles Thomson, Secretary. Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day October 3, 1863 The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth. A. Lincoln Thanksgiving Day Proclamation 1981 Date: November 12, 1981 By: Ronald Reagan America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this nation throughout its history. In keeping with America's heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to god for all of His blessings. On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the Native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well. In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks. As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do sass individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance. Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 1981, as Thanksgiving Day. In witness where of, I have here unto set my hand this twelfth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. Thanksgiving Day, 2005 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America Thanksgiving Day is a time to remember our many blessings and to celebrate the opportunities that freedom affords. Explorers and settlers arriving in this land often gave thanks for the extraordinary plenty they found. And today, we remain grateful to live in a country of liberty and abundance. We give thanks for the love of family and friends, and we ask God to continue to watch over America. This Thanksgiving, we pray and express thanks for the men and women who work to keep America safe and secure. Members of our Armed Forces, State and local law enforcement, and first responders embody our Nation's highest ideals of courage and devotion to duty. Our country is grateful for their service and for the support and sacrifice of their families. We ask God's special blessings on those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. We also remember those affected by the destruction of natural disasters. Their tremendous determination to recover their lives exemplifies the American spirit, and we are grateful for those across our Nation who answered the cries of their neighbors in need and provided them with food, shelter, and a helping hand. We ask for continued strength and perseverance as we work to rebuild these communities and return hope to our citizens. We give thanks to live in a country where freedom reigns, justice prevails, and hope prospers. We recognize that America is a better place when we answer the universal call to love a neighbor and help those in need. May God bless and guide the United States of America as we move forward. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 2005, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH I will end with this little snippet from Wikipedia: William Bradford . . . was the second signer and primary architect of the Mayflower Compact in Provincetown Harbor. His journal (1620–47), was published as Of Plymouth Plantation. Bradford is credited as the first to proclaim what popular American culture now views as the first Thanksgiving. But that's not what intrigued me. On his Grave (located in Plymouth Burial Hill) is etched: "qua patres difficillime adepti sunt nolite turpiter relinquere" “What our forefathers with so much difficulty secured, do not basely relinquish.” More words to remember. |
| December 2nd marks two events. 1. Contest winners will be selected and announced. I will post winners here (the first part of email addresses only), on http://www.almarquardt.com/contest , and the winners will also receive a private email. 2. My order of fifty books are due to arrive. If you're a winner, or have purchased one via http://www.almarquardt.com/products , expect your book to be sent out on December 3rd. If you still would like to enter the contest, there is still time. And if you order by December 15th, you'll receive several other small items as an expression of my gratitude. Speaking of gratitude! I wish to thank my father-in-law for taking the time to read "A Reason to Hope", and relaying his thoughts to me via email. His review was quite a boost to my confidence I didn't write a piece of crap. You may be thinking since he's a family member, he would not have been completely honest in his assessment. I know he was honest, because he focused on specifics, and shared what he didn't like about it. He would have preferred the book contained wider margins and more white space between chapters. I noticed the same after I received my proof. Changing it at that point, however, would have cost me more money, so I left it. If I self-publish another book, or decide to resubmit a second addition of "A Reason to Hope" (how do I resubmit a second addition when only the first exists?) I'll make those modifications. Until then, I'll make my readers suffer with narrow margins. Muahahahahahaha! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving day. I won't recommend you don't stuff yourselves stupid, because we all end up doing it whether we want to or not. Don't forget to wear elastic-waisted pants! |
| When we look back at our worst of times, we find it's our friends' and family's support that brought us through. When we look back at our best of times, we find it's our friends and family who cheered us on with the loudest of voice. Without friends and family, we live a lonely life. Without the support of my friends and family, my book would be sitting idle, collecting virtual dust in the back room of Amazon.com and my website. Heck, I wouldn't have invested the money to publish it in the first place. One friend has not only cheered me on, shared her knowledge in indie publishing, but also helped boost my book's exposure to more potential readers. She interviewed me a few days ago, and included it on her website: http://www.elucidations.us/interviews/almarquardt.htm She has written and self-published three books so far, two as part of a larger series centered around a rock band trying to make a name for themselves in the 1970s. Her characters are well-developed, and she deftly immerses the reader into what the 70s were really like for musicians and other artists struggling for success. You can find out more about all her books as well as purchase them direct at her online store: http://www.elucidations.us/store.htm With the economy sour and most of us not willing to spend a lot of money on high-dollar items, books are a great alternative. |
| Howdy all. Sorry I've not trampled through lately, but my week has been crazy busy. At work we're assembling a set of plans for installing new street lights and reconfiguring the lane striping for an intersection. A small project to be sure as we're only removing and replacing a few hundred lineal feet of existing concrete. However, we're working for the ND Department of Transportation, so we must meet their standards. As a co-worker explained it, "The further you go up the government ladder, the deeper the shit gets." When we originally designed the plans, our sheets totaled five pages. When it's all said and done, this DOT set will be at least thirty. And it's due next Wednesday. They originally wanted them 90% complete on Monday the 24th, but it won't happen. That they're wanting more, and major, modifications doesn't help. On the home front, Thomas is learning how to stand. He can now pull himself up using either Dave, myself, furniture, or the dog. Once he's up, he can stand a long time, and a few times he's wobbled from one piece of furniture to another. Muchly fun to watch. However, this means I have to baby-proof 18" above the floor now. He's also learned how to express his indignance better. When he wants something, he wants it NOW. Don't try to take something away, or you'll hear about it, let me tell ya. His grip is quite strong, too. He's also at the stage when he doesn't want his diaper changed. He can dang near wiggle himself right off the table. Anyone know of a diaper changing table with a 5-point harness? I think we need one. You now can purchase my book direct off my website and through Paypal ( http://www.almarquardt.com/products ). It took some serious tweaking and trial-and-error, but it works pretty slick now. I didn't want to at first, because I haven't purchased my extra copies yet. Voxxylady  suggested I set up pre-orders, and add incentives by offering other items with the book. Tonight I'll be buying 50 copies, which will take about two weeks to arrive. I noted on my website, however, they won't be available for three-four weeks. Still plenty of time for Christmas, though. Thank you all for your kind words, and your patience with my last entry. You're awesome  .There's one more important bit of news to share, but I won't reveal it as yet. I'll let Voxxylady take care of that. |
| A friend emailed me recently with the following question: I read the cover -- did I read that right that there is a lesbian love in the story? Here's how I responded: Yes, the story deals in part with homosexuality. It's surprised a few people, including my husband. It started when these two characters (a man and a woman) appeared in my second book. They loved each other deeply, but would never marry or otherwise "get together". When I realized they were homosexual, I decided to tell their story. "A Reason to Hope" is the end result. I felt it important to publish it for two reasons: To address the typical attitude of too many Christians against homosexuals, and to stand up against many publishers (secular and otherwise) who won't touch a Christian novel with homosexual characters. I wanted to show Christians are not to shy away from any issue no matter how controversial, and that writing a story as such is possible as well as important. My only concern is that it will come across as preachy. I hope instead people will enjoy the story and fall in love with the characters. The message is secondary. ---------------------------------- That was yesterday. Amazing how one day, a mere 24 hours, changes a person's attitude. I sound brave up there, don't I? I show a willingness to thumb my nose at convention. I felt brave. I thought I was ready to thumb my nose at convention. The words I wrote hit me suddenly on an emotional level today. A doubt so thick struck me so hard I want to puke. My book is going to fail. Most, if not all, will end up not finishing the thing they will be so disgusted. They will hate it because it's preachy. They will hate it because two of the characters are homosexual. They will hate it because I mention God. They will hate it because I wrote it poorly. They will hate it because neither the characters nor the story itself are believable. They will hate me for allowing them to spend $11 (less shipping) on a piece of [censored]. They will hate me for wasting their time. Who am I to think I can write well, and write about controversial issues without preaching? Doing God's will, I thought. Ha! Who am I to have an inkling about what God wants? Arrogant is what I am. Blind to the truth is what I am. And now, because of that arrogance, my book, my entire writing 'career' will fail. That said, I still must push through my doubts. I came this far, I may as well go all the way. If I indeed fail, well, then I will learn what not to do next time, won't I? |
| A few people have expressed interest in purchasing my book (signed) direct through me instead of Amazon. I researched into it, and I am capable of selling items via Paypal, and setting up a page on my website where you can purchase as many copies as you like. I can even add other items such as bookmarks, pens and magnets if, again, enough people are interested. What do you think? Should I go for it? I ask only because, though I can buy copies of my book at a reduced rate, the more I purchase, the less I spend per copy. I don't want to buy a bunch of books, and end up not selling them. |
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